Work at CCDH

The Center for Countering Digital Hate is a growing organization with offices in Washington DC and London. What makes us different is that we use cutting-edge research to counter the spread of digital hate and misinformation that has real, offline consequences. Our work is acclaimed by policymakers and civil society globally. We are setting the agenda for what is going wrong and how to fix digital spaces.

Our teams work collaboratively and creatively across a range of different topic areas, from the anti-vaxx movement to virtual reality.

We value integrity, tenacity and people who want to make a social impact with their work. To promote this ethos, we invest in our staff:

• Flexible working, with the option to work from our office in London – or Washington DC if the role is US-based
• Individual staff training budgets to improve their skills
• Lots of opportunities for career development and learning

We want to hear from applicants from all backgrounds, and especially welcome applications from people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, women, and people with disabilities. We’re committed to a belief that the more our work is created by people from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of life experiences, the better it will be.

There are two open vacancies

1. Head of Communications
2. Personal Assistant

Head of Communications (US-based)

The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) is an international, not-for-profit research and advocacy organisation that seeks to create costs for the production and algorithmic distribution of hate and disinformation. CCDH has been at the forefront of unmasking how online platforms and search engines drive radicalization and online harm and pollute our information ecosystem. We are agile, influential and have a global impact – with offices in Washington D.C., London, and Brussels, and partners globally.  

CCDH is the leading global voice on online harms and advocating for checks and balances on social media companies. Our advocacy has been crucial in the passage of EU & UK legislation that enacts our 1^st Amendment-compliant STAR Framework for reform. Our research has led advertisers to take decisive action against platforms, such as withdrawing their ads and joining coalitions to demand change. 

Our key areas of focus are identity-based hate; climate denial; public health; and kids, and their mental health. By helping to inform those with interests in these issues about how social media’s algorithms, community standards, enforcement, and monetization affect them, we assert our value, and gain the trust required to drive collective action.  

CCDH has grown rapidly since it was founded. Today, CCDH has more than 30 staff, a growing public profile, and a credible path to completing our mission to create permanent change to social media business model incentives and disincentives. Finishing the job means driving transparency and accountability reform in the United States, as well as harnessing the immense power of American brand advertisers to assert that platforms should be mindful of their extraordinary power as the primary means by which we share information, transact business, and create and maintain relationships.

About the role

We are seeking a candidate who is passionate about our mission and wants to be part of a team driving change in one of the most challenging contemporary social issues.   

As the Head of Communications, you will be responsible for ensuring the effectiveness, coherence and harmony of CCDH’s voice across the organization, and will manage the organisation’s global marketing, press and entertainment industry teams. Your day-to-day work will require you to ensure our outputs support the goals of the organization, demonstrate high standards of creativity, and help to develop, diversify and professionalize our channels mix.  

Your primary operational focus will be on expanding capacity, capabilities, and processes necessary to dramatically scale CCDH’s impact over the next five years. 

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will work closely with the COO, Head of Research and Head of Policy & Partnerships. 

The successful candidate will be supported to develop their own skills and expertise. They will join a team that invests in its employees. We know our work will be at its best if it is created by people with a range of backgrounds and experiences. We are keen to interview people who will add diversity of experience to our team. 

Job responsibilities

• Developing campaigns and communications plans that support corporate objectives in our key jurisdictions – US, UK, EU. 
• Directing the organisation’s campaigns plans alongside the Portfolio Manager and heads of “spearhead” functions, e.g. policy, partnerships and advertising industry relations. 
• Marketing Mastery: As a central pillar of our strategy, you’ll lead our content distribution efforts, setting standards for excellence and engagement.  
• Strategic Project Management: Your leadership will ensure that projects are delivered with precision, from conception through to execution. 
• Devising high impact campaigns with focused policy asks – wherever possible in coalition with our partners – that cut through and lead to meaningful change  
• Management of direct reports, each of whom lead one of the communications functions, which includes digital communications, press, entertainment industry and more.  
• Developing an editorial function within CCDH which harmonizes voice across all external-facing departments, establishing brand and tone guidelines, and ensuring this is received and respected. 
• Monitoring impact, key metrics and performance, to ensure lessons are learned across the organization. 

As such, you will: 

• Provide line management to direct reports, setting and monitoring individual performance objectives and motivating the team to be ambitious, innovative and professional in its thinking and delivery.
• Direct the maintenance, nurturing and expansion of relationships with media, including publications, journalists, influencers and other channels.
• Oversee reactive comms as necessary along with the Press Lead, advising leadership on appropriate response in times of press escalation.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues across CCDH at all levels, adopting and encouraging a collaborative working approach.

Person Specification

Essential

• 10+ years in the not for profit/communications or private sector leading on US campaigns and communications projects with a successful track record in planning, execution and team development. 
• A strong track record leading on communications for an organisation, engaging multiple audiences including media, digital audiences, politicians and policymakers, supporters, donors and stakeholders  
• Strong ability to assimilate complex policy information and devise strategic influencing of campaigns. 
• An excellent understanding of the interaction between politics, policy and advocacy. 
• Delivery of large-scale integrated marketing or other campaigns, leading to increased organisational profile and/or changes to policy, practice and attitudes  
• Development and management of high-performing teams, including through periods of organizational change  
• Experience of managing budgets and identifying income generation opportunities 
• Brand development, in support of organisational objectives  
• Leading internal communications, working collaboratively across an organisation to ensure buy in, coordination and consistent messaging  
• Working with the US (and international) media, with a track record of securing high profile national coverage to generate profile and awareness  
• Experience of measuring the impact of marketing, campaigns and communications activity (MEL frameworks) 
• Experience with digital tools such as CRMs, data management, etc.  

Desirable

• Understanding of the infrastructure of online hate and disinformation 
• Individual donor and/or digital fundraising experience 

Compensation Package

• Location: Washington DC 
• Salary: $150,000
• Enhanced family leave policies 
• 20 days’ holiday plus US public bank holidays  
• Birthday Bonus extra Leave day  
• Flexible working options: working from home, compressed hours, flextime  
• 401k  
• Mental Health Support on Spill  
• Sick leave and Pay  

If you need adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact at [email protected]. 

Personal Assistant (US-based)

• Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer 
• Location: Hybrid  
• Key purpose: Support to the CEO and Founder 
• Salary (US): $65,000 – $80,000 
• Contract: Full-time, permanent role 
• Closing date: July 30, 2024 
• Interview date: July 31, 2024 

At CCDH, our goal is to have an online information system that promotes truth, science and democracy. Social media companies have left our communities polarized and harmed by allowing hate and lies to spread on their platforms. They deny the problem, deflect the blame, and delay taking action.  

Our world-class research, campaigns and policy advocacy have advanced the case for comprehensive social media reform around the world. You’ll find our work regularly cited by international media, civil society and policymakers in the US, UK and EU.  

We are scaling our organization, with ample opportunities to grow our community of support and inspire new partnerships. It’s an exciting time to join our team. 

Are you passionate about our mission? Are you organized and a people person? Are you warm, compassionate and a good listener? This might be the role for you! We are looking for a passionate and committed personal assistant to join us. If you have a talent for forging relationships and wish to develop your skills while fighting for a better world, we want to hear from you. 

About the Role

The PA to the CEO is responsible for providing high-quality personal assistance support to the Chief Executive Officer and support to the CEO’s office, such as managing small projects on behalf of the Chief Operating Officer. This role requires a proactive and detail-oriented individual with PA experience to a director, senior director/ CEO, demonstrating a high degree of autonomy and highly developed administrative and organizational skills. 

The successful candidate will be supported to develop their own skills and expertise. They will join a team that invests in its employees. 

About You

The PA to the CEO is responsible for providing comprehensive support to the CEO. This dynamic position requires the ability to anticipate the CEO’s needs, think critically, prioritize, and offer solutions to problems with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.   

You will provide comprehensive support to the CEO and assist with various administrative tasks to ensure efficient operations and excellent service delivery. You’ll play a crucial role in managing schedules, coordinating meetings, handling correspondence, and facilitating travel arrangements, all while promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices. 

We know our work will be at its best if it is created by people with a range of backgrounds and experiences. We are keen to interview people who will add diversity to our team. 

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters to the CEO, which may include those of a highly confidential or critical nature. Prioritize and determine the appropriate course of action, referral, or response, exercising judgment to reflect the CEO’s style and organization policy.  
• Provide sophisticated calendar management for the CEO, ensuring time is appropriately utilized and preserved. Prioritize inquiries and requests while troubleshooting conflicts; make judgments and recommendations to ensure smooth day-to-day engagements. 
• Communication: Handling email correspondence, drafting responses, and managing communication channels to ensure timely and effective interactions with external stakeholders, funders, partners, and team members 
• Work with managers and department heads to coordinate the CEO’s outreach activities. 
• Identify and follow up on contacts made by the CEO to cultivate ongoing relationships. Invest in building long-lasting relationships, ensuring department heads are kept informed. 
• Work closely with the CEO to inform them of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately. 
• Anticipate the CEO’s needs in advance of meetings, conferences, etc.   
• Perform various administrative tasks that assist the CEO with internal knowledge management and project management requirements. Collect and prepare information for meetings with staff and outside parties; compose and prepare correspondence, maintaining contact lists. 
• Ensure the CEO’s logistics and time are well-managed, which may include making travel arrangements. 
• Act as a liaison and support the CEO’s work with the Board of Directors. Arrange and handle all logistics for Board meetings and events: schedule meetings; draft agendas; develop, compile, and distribute presentation materials; and record meeting minutes. Adhere to compliance with applicable rules and regulations set in bylaws regarding Board matters. Ensure Board members are kept up-to-date and can reach the CEO when needed.  
• Other projects/duties as assigned for the overall benefit of the organization.

Work environment  

• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with great opportunities to learn new skills, and work on exciting projects. 
• Able to be a dynamic, highly organized person who thrives managing multiple work strands in a busy environment. 
• Ability to work well within a cross-functional team environment and diverse communities.  

Person Specification 

Essential

• 2 – 5 years of relevant executive support experience, for example supporting CEO, Executive Director, or executives. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.  
• Exceptional organizational skills and impeccable attention to detail.  
• Proficiency in using productivity tools such as Microsoft Office Suite 
• High professionalism in dealing with diverse groups of people, including Board members, senior executives, staff, community leaders, donors, and funded partners.  
• Technical proficiency and problem-solving skills related to organization-wide IT support and troubleshooting.  
• Strong ability to work with diversity, equity, and inclusion lenses.  
• Makes appropriate, informed decisions regarding priorities and available time.  
• Ability to complete many tasks and projects independently and proactively.  
• Ability to react with appropriate levels of urgency to situations and events that require quick response or turnaround.  
• Able to maintain high integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.  
• Excellent judgment is essential.  
• Ability to multitask efficiently. 

Desirable

• Nonprofit experience 
• Events management 
• CRM management 
• Budgeting  

Compensation Package

The salary range is $65,000 – $80,000 

We provide a flexible, hybrid working environment at CCDH. You will be required to work from the Washington office at least twice weekly as we build the team. We are very flexible with our employees and ensure your wellbeing, health and safety are our priority.  

You will be entitled to 20 days of annual leave plus US public holidays. Other benefits include: 

• Flexible working options: hybrid and flexible working from Washington, DC 
• Flexible training budget and development opportunities 
• 401k 
• Mental health support 
• Sick leave and pay 
• Health and dental insurance 
• Office closure between Christmas and New Year 

Please note that the successful candidate must be authorized to work in the US by the start of their employment.